What white goods car...

[Prof Prolapse]

I promised myself I wouldn't do this but I'm posing a what car. I might be losing my works car and need a grown up car.

I can repair most things but would like a solid engine/gearbox/DMF as these jobs stress me out.

Essential;

• Can sit large Rottweiler in boot.
• Can accommodate enough luggage for adults + baby paraphernalia.
• Ideally under £6,000, but cheaper the better if it doesn't compromise reliability.
• More than 35mpg petrol, or 45mpg diesel.
• Must be bearable for 300 mile trips.
• Doesn't look fk awful.
• Reliable engine and drive train.

Desirable;

• Leather seats
• AWD - Doesn't need to be an off roader but good traction is handy as I live in the countryside and if it isn't snow, it's mud, st, or water.
• Up to £9,000 at a push.
• Simpler the better. I'll be DIYing repairs so a complex diesel engine concerns me a little.
• Driveway is difficult to get into, so "SUV" shape will be easier for herself.

I was thinking Honda Accord / CR-V? 2.0 VTEC (later shape)? Any thoughts on this especially the CR-V?

I had considered the Subaru Legacy 2.0D but there's some terrifying stories out there, and whilst I know there's always scare stories, it put me off a bit.

12 months ago I was set to buy a Ducati Panigale 899... Growing up is st.

[kambites]

Octavia estate, maybe? They even made a 4wd version.

Something like this, I think the PD is pretty reliable: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...

Or a VRS would do the job if you don't mind 2wd (although whether it'll meet the fuel economy target depends on how and where you drive it).

Edited by kambites on Monday 15th December 10:19

[liner33]

kambites said:

Octavia estate, maybe? They even made a 4wd version.

Something like this, I think the PD is pretty reliable: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...

Or a VRS would do the job if you don't mind 2wd (although whether it'll meet the fuel economy target depends on how and where you drive it).

Edited by kambites on Monday 15th December 10:19

+1 white goods car = Skoda

Pretty sure the VRS has a dmf though although £9 would get you a newer one , they will do your mpg figures at a push

[conkerman]

Exeo ST.

Cheap, roomy Later ones had lots of kit. Better ride than an audi.

Common rail engine has been perfect and feels slightly less tractorish than the PD engine.

I've had a saloon one for 70k miles and averaged 49MPG. Basic servicing is a doddle as well.

Edited by conkerman on Monday 15th December 10:52

[Prof Prolapse]

liner33 said:

kambites said:

Octavia estate, maybe? They even made a 4wd version.

Something like this, I think the PD is pretty reliable: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...

Or a VRS would do the job if you don't mind 2wd (although whether it'll meet the fuel economy target depends on how and where you drive it).

Edited by kambites on Monday 15th December 10:19

+1 white goods car = Skoda

Pretty sure the VRS has a dmf though although £9 would get you a newer one , they will do your mpg figures at a push

Did they make many? Only problem seems to be finding a 4x4 one... There's only 2 in the country in budget, then again I suppose not many are going to be for sale this time of year.

I hadn't looked into the VAG group beyond Audi, but the mass produced engine would probably make it easier for spares and access to knowledge about the engine. So I guess I should keep an open mind.

Very helpful thank you.

[Swanny87]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a large Volvo with the D5 engine yet, as that's usually par for course around here.

[kambites]

Prof Prolapse said:

Did they make many? Only problem seems to be finding a 4x4 one... There's only 2 in the country in budget, then again I suppose not many are going to be for sale this time of year.

4wd ones? Not many in the standard body but there's also the "Octavia Scout" which is always 4wd and the Yeti (but that's probably out of your price range).

[d3llams]

How about this Jaguar x-type ticks everything except the 4wd. http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/j...

[Prof Prolapse]

I quite like the X-Type but the Mrs hates it. To be honest as well I used to have an XJR, and sad as it seems, I know I would just find myself missing it.

I looked at the XJ 2.7D but I'm struggling with how I'd fit an enormous dog in it.

[Prof Prolapse]

Swanny87 said:

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a large Volvo with the D5 engine yet, as that's usually par for course around here.

Do they not fall to bits?

[Debaser]

Surely the answer to your question has a Toyota badge on the front?

[Matt UK]

Petrol Toyota Avensis estate sounds like a sensible answer, albeit rather uninspiring...

I think though if you look up 'automotive white goods' in the dictionary, you'll find a picture of it, probably in white with wheel trims.

Edited by Matt UK on Monday 15th December 12:16

[Prof Prolapse]

For me, the fk ugly category is firmly breached for the Avensis.

Looks aren't everything, but it's one of those rare cars I couldn't live with.

The Accord struck me as an alternative, but still isn't pretty in estate form.

[Matt UK]

Prof Prolapse said:

For me, the fk ugly category is firmly breached for the Avensis.

Fair enough. I can't say I disagree with you on that one.

Although I put it more in the 'invisible' category:
"Where is it then?"
"There" <Salesman points proudly at Avensis>
"Sorry, where?" <staring at Avensis>
"Right there in front of us" <Salesman furiously pointing at Avensis>
"Jeez, sorry but you're really going to have to help me.." <whilst staring at Avensis>
"Here, right here!" <Salesman hitting roof of Avensis with his hand>
"But... but... I just see background" <whilst still staring at Avensis>

Edited by Matt UK on Monday 15th December 13:06

[okie592]

Dacia duster?

[Prof Prolapse]

okie592 said:

Dacia duster?

Yeah my Dad was trying to talk me into one of those.

I think the diesel spec is out of price range, and the range I have is based on not having to take the hit on depreciation. I dare say the old Duster will not have fantastic residuals.

I probably should have mentioned that earlier. Thanks for playing though.

[Willy Nilly]

Prof Prolapse said:

• AWD - Doesn't need to be an off roader but good traction is handy as I live in the countryside and if it isn't snow, it's mud, st, or water.

best get one with a snorkel, external roll cage, big mud tyres and a winch. Or just any normal car.

[GreatGranny]

Prof Prolapse said:

Swanny87 said:

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a large Volvo with the D5 engine yet, as that's usually par for course around here.

Do they not fall to bits?

The car definitely doesn't.
They are very hard wearing.

£9k will get you latest shape V70 with either D5 engine or the more economical but less powerful 2.0D.
R Design has all the toys including full leather.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[RobM77]

Willy Nilly said:

Prof Prolapse said:

• AWD - Doesn't need to be an off roader but good traction is handy as I live in the countryside and if it isn't snow, it's mud, st, or water.

best get one with a snorkel, external roll cage, big mud tyres and a winch. Or just any normal car.

I was going to say the same thing. I grew up in the country and visited farms on a weekly basis to see friends, go to weekly band practises etc, and I still live in the countryside now amongst untreated roads with grass in the middle of them. I've owned FWD, 4WD and RWD and you really do need to be in an actual field before you'd need 4WD. I'm not being needlessly critical, I'm just saying that if the OP prefers the drive of a 2WD car (as I do) and isn't actually driving off road or timing himself driving to work on a wet muddy road, treating it like a rally stage, then I'd go ahead and buy the car you like driving.

[Prof Prolapse]

Willy Nilly said:

Prof Prolapse said:

• AWD - Doesn't need to be an off roader but good traction is handy as I live in the countryside and if it isn't snow, it's mud, st, or water.

best get one with a snorkel, external roll cage, big mud tyres and a winch. Or just any normal car.

I think you're confused.

I am not saying I cannot use a normal car, in fact I have lived and worked here for many years, my work car is a FWD focus. I would just prefer a vehicle with AWD as it can perform the same task more easily.

That's why the part you selectively quote, is under the "preferable" criteria, rather than mandatory.

Now be a sport and fk off.